BJCC Announces Safety Measures For Future Events

BIRMINGHAM, AL — Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex officials announced this week the safety measures in place for events held at the complex for the foreseeable future. These protocols will be in place as the BJCC welcomes attendees for the 50th annual O’Reilly Auto Parts World of Wheels Auto Show February 12th – 14th.

“Last spring as facilities worldwide closed to large events in order to aid public health, our team set to work planning for resuming large events, safely,” said Tad Snider, Executive Director and CEO, BJCC Authority. “We have had eleven months to put advanced protocols and processes in place. The BJCC is prepared for this.”

The BJCC was the first facility in Alabama to obtain the STAR Facility Accreditation designation, given based on a facility's cleaning, disinfection and infectious disease prevention, granted through the Global Biorisk Advisory Council.

“We were eager to have our protocols tested and measured by 3rd party experts,” Snider said. “The BJCC follows industry best practices. And the World of Wheels is the ideal event to see those practices at work, particularly the social distancing requirements. Cars will be placed throughout the BJCC’s 220,000 square foot exhibition halls. Everyone has ample space to walk around and observe the race cars, antiques, custom imports and motorcycles. We look forward to welcoming the attendees this weekend and seeing our processes at work.”

BJCC's enhanced safety measures include:

Face Coverings

• Pursuant to the State of Alabama’s Public Health Order, face coverings must be worn throughout all BJCC venues.

Cleaning and Sanitation

• Touch-free hand sanitizer stations are located throughout the facility
• All high touch surfaces are disinfected on a continual basis by the BJCC Clean Team. These touch points include but are not limited to: entry doors, handrails, restrooms, trash receptacle touch points, dining tables and chairs

Social Distancing

• Attendees, exhibitors and staff maintain 6’ of distance
• Capacity for all exhibit halls, ballrooms, and meeting rooms has been revised to allow for social distancing standards
• Public access doors may be designated as either Entrance Only or Exit Only to limit traffic and personal contact
• Floor markings onsite direct social distancing standards
• Elevator capacity will be limited to allow for social distancing standards

Food and Beverage

• Face covering over nose and mouth to be worn at all times by staff, exhibitors and attendees, except when eating and drinking in designated concession areas only

Onsite Communications

Print and digital signage in public areas, including restrooms, reminds guests of important hygiene measures and social distancing

Attendee Protocols

• Attendees will be subject to a temperature check
• If exhibiting symptoms, stay home and avoid contact with other people
• Public safety is strengthened when everyone complies with good hygiene practices

Staff and Exhibitor Protocols

• All employees, exhibitors and promoters will wear face masks while in close proximity to attendees and guests
• Employees are directed to stay home when sick, and to inform Human Resources immediately if they are aware of any possible exposure to COVID-19
• Health screening for staff and exhibitors prior to entering the building